REDIRECTING YOU TO OUR NEW WEBSITE - COCHRANEARTSCENTRAL.CA

OIL PASTEL & INK WORKSHOP

Our Oil Pastel & Ink Workshop last Saturda, taught by Colleen McCrae, was a new and fun learning experience for all.

Colleen demonstrated and worked with students on the technique of using pastel, ink and mineral spirit to get a super cool painting on paper!

 As this technique is brand new to Cochrane Arts Central, we found it fascinating to watch Colleen and the students experiment.


 


All in the class thoroughly enjoyed it and produced some amazing artwork. 

 
 

Keep an eye on our website for up and coming workshops.

REMINDER:
November classes are filling up quickly.  If you haven't registered yet, for that class that you have always wanted, then please give us a call so we can add your name to the list.

Have a nice day!

Cochrane Arts Central Staff

ANOTHER FANTASTIC PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP

Mother Nature decided to behave most of the time for our 2-day Plein Air workshop with Susan Woolgar.  It was a little chilly at times throughout the workshop but most of us were dressed to brave the weather,.

 

Again, it was a fabulous workshop.  Students went home with lots of knowledge on the use of color, temperature and value in their paintings. 

Susan is a "super good" instructor.  She took us through the painting process from concept to completion, with a simple straight forward technique.  Great demos and lots of fun!.

 

The scenery at the Blackwell's is spectacular and lends itself to some beautiful paintings. Everyone set up their easels at different locations trying to make use of the sun and shadows with trees and panoramic views.

Who could resist this colorful hanging basket?   

Susan did a demo in pastels using the basket as a reference.

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Then, the wind decided to pay us a visit and came in with an unbelievable force  but we were not to be deterred and kept on painting. 

Alas, it was time to pack up our easels and head for home thinking about the critique that Susan finished up the workshop with.  What a fabulous way to end what was a very successful two days.  

Tanya  (for) Marla

FIRST GALLERY EVENT

Hello Everyone - We are so happy to announce our first Gallery Show and Sale. It is this sunday, September 15 from noon to 4pm. We have many artists participating.  Some local artists including Glen Boles, teachers at Cochrane Arts Central (Scot Paisley and others) and Susan Woolgar and Doug Levitt. Many of the artists will be in attendance and are looking forward to meeting you.  Please drop by and enjoy the paintings by these fabulous artists and have some refreshments and goodies too. 

We look forward to seeing you on sunday!

Marla and Cochrane Arts Central Team

ps -  Check out our classes -  we have a great lineup and something for everyone

PLEIN AIR CHALLENGE-THE CROSSING AT GHOST RIVER

Hi Everyone:

Last Sunday, August 25^th, Marla & Cheryl participated in the 1st Annual Plein Air Painting Challenge at the Crossings at Ghost River.   Started out to be a cold morning but by noon the sun came out and it turned out to be a fabulous day. The scenery was beautiful and it was nice to see the different artwork that was produced that morning.
 

Marla's Plein Air Oil Painting

Cheryl's Plein Air Oil Painting

We are thrilled and happy that Marla’s Painting placed 2nd  and Cheryl’s Painting placed 3^rd in the Professional Category.   

Cheryl Peddie will be joining Cochrane Arts Centre in September to teach oil classes.  Check out the classes page for the full schedule of Fall classes starting in September.

Have a nice day, everyone & we'll see soon.   Tanya

AUTUMN 2013 CLASSES

Hi Everyone-  Summer is quickly going by - even though it doesn't really seem like we had summer yet!  But with that - comes our full swing into Fall.  We will have have a posting of classes in the next two weeks.  I am just finalizing details now.  But there will be weekly classes as well as weekend workshops.  The Susan Woolgar workshop is filling up so don't wait too long if you want to take it.  There are 4 spots left as today. New fall products are arriving this week as well. So stay posted and check the classes page for updates.

Marla

FANTASTIC WORKHOP WITH SUSAN WOOLGAR

Hello Everyone -  What a great workshop we had on Saturday July 6.  Susan Woolgar is a 'super good' instructor with a hands on approach. She took the students through their paintings from concept to completion with simple straight forward technique.  Great demos and lots of fun!  The intent was for a plein air class but Mother Nature decided it needed to rain and hail - so we had the class in the store studion and then went to Blackwell's for a critque followed by dinner.

We are having a second workshop with Susan- so those of you on the wait list - here is your chance to take a class with Susan.  It is a two day workshop this time and it will be plein air.  We are hosting it at the Blackwell property where the season should be in full color by then - September 21 and 22.  Stay tuned for details!

We have a new oil paint for you -  It is called Fast Matte by Gamblin.  It drys in 24 hours!  How great is that for us impatient painters?!  We have the full display so come in and try it.  I an offering a 15% promo discount for the next 2 weeks.  Don't miss out.  There are fantastic colors  to try!

The autumn classes will be offered soon.  Scot and I are both teaching all summer.  Just check out the class page for details.  I will update soon on what we are offering and as it is confirmed the page will be updated. Hope to see you soon -  stay dry and safe from all that nasty weather!

Marla and the Team

Stampede Breakfast & Summer Classes

Hi - hope you are all enjoying this nice warm weather.  We are busy here with a Stampede breakfast tomorrow morning and with our summer classes.  Please join us for the breakfast and give us a call if you would like to register for some classes. 

STAMPEDE PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Thursday, July 4 9am - 11am

CIR Parking Lot

 Live Entertainment!

Face Painting!

      “Wild West Willie” The Bull!

     123 4^th Avenue, Cochrane

          Community Fundraiser.

All proceeds in support of Cochrane Society for Housing Options (CSHO)

 $2.00

per plate

Maximum $10 per family

ONGOING  MONTHLY  DRAWING CLASS – SCOT PAISLEY

Scot  will teach the student a series of lessons which will implement perspective and composition.  As well, the student will learn and use various dry mediums and draw subjects which appeal to the individual.  Students will be encouraged to express their interest in subject matter.  For example, figurative drawing and portrait drawing may be implemented at some point. This class is open to all skill levels from  beginner to advanced. Everyone learns at their own level – so absolutely no intimidation.  Try it!  This class is offered Monday mornings or Monday evenings. Pick what works best for you!

Monthly classes (4 weeks) start the first Monday of each month

7 pm – 9:30 pm   -  $115.00 per month

         WATERCOLOR, ACRYLIC AND OIL – WITH MARLA BLACKWELL

This is a very informal fun class where the student will learn about composition, perspective, color choices and much  more. Students learn at their own level and paint the project of their choice.  Students will learn how to plan a painting and take it to completion. This class is offered  4 times per week.  Pick what time frame works for you!

 

Monthly classes (4 weeks) start the first Wednesday of each month

10 am – 1 pm   -  $139.00 per month

FREE FRIDAYS! -  This is not a class but free studio time for all of you to take advantage of.  Come and paint and work on your projects.  Get inspired with your peers and come meet other painters who would like a day at the Studio    

NEW PRODUCT - EXCITING WORKSHOP - CHILDREN'S CLASSES

Hello Everyone:

NEW PRODUCT 
 We are excited to tell you that our spring shipment  of new product has been arriving daily. Make a plan to stop by, have a coffee and browse at your leisure.  Now is a good time to stock up for your summer painting.

CHILDREN CLASSES
We are now offering children's classes on a monthly basis. These classes are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-5.30 p.m. and will be taught by Taygan Crapo, an employee of CAC and student at ACAD.  Please check our classes page for more details.

PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP WITH SUSAN WOOLGAR
I am excited to tell you about a fun painting event Cochrane Arts Central is hosting on July 6, 2013. We are having a full, fun day of outside painting at the Blackwell's on the Horse Creek (northwest of Cochrane)!  This will be instructed by well known plein aire artist/instructor, Susan Woolgar.  We will be sending more information in the next couple of weeks.

Marla & team
We are looking forward to seeing you!

SPRING SALE & TAYGAN'S SHOW & SALE

Hello Everyone!

We will be holding our annual Spring Sale on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.   All supplies in the store will be 20% off.  Goodies and refreshments will be available. Now is a good time to stock up on any supply essentials.

Also, Taygan Crapo, an employee here at CAC, will be holding her own Show and Sale here at the store gallery on the evening of Friday the 10th from 5-9pm and all day Saturday. It will be a show of hand blown glass, painting, and photography. Refreshments will also be available as well as a draw for a blown glass bowl.

Come join us for a good time this coming weekend.

See you here!


Marla and the team

MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP

Hello Everyone -  We hope you are having a creative spring! There's lots going on here at Cochrane Arts Central to keep you busy and intrigued.  Back by popular demand, we are holding another Mixed Media workshop, where we will explore more techniques in the abstract as well as including figurative work this time around. 

 

The Mixed Media workshop is being held on May 04 & 05, 2013 (Saturday & Sunday).  There are a few spots left for the class.  The workshop is again being led by Taygan Crapo (employee of CAC and student of ACAD).  She is well educated in mixed media and has a firm knowledge of composition and design.  Come and enjoy a fun weekend of exploration through media and mark making! Give us a call or email if you have questions or would like to register.

 

Remember, we have all our other regular classes going as well.  Take a look at the Classes page and read about them on the spring schedule.

We have more exciting news here at Cochrane Arts Central.  Taygan Crapo (employee of CAC) has been awarded a scholarship to further her glass blowing studies in a 2-week intensive course in New York this coming July.  Also, in a recent "Best of Cochrane" survey conducted by the local newspaper, Hermann Brandt (instructor at CAC) was awarded gold in the "Best Artist" category.  Congratulatiions to Taygan and Hermann!!!  Well done!

 

New products are coming in regularly.  Please stop by, have a coffee, and check out our class and workshop schedules and products.

 

Don't forget Free Fridays -  come in on Fridays and use the studio at no charge. Friday is a great day to come and be creative with your peers.  We have lots of fun. See you soon at Cochrane Arts Central.

Marla and The Team

MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP

Hello Everyone -  We hope you are having a creative winter! Lots going on here at Cochrane Arts Central to keep you busy and intrigued.  The Sampler class was a  huge success -  very busy and students learned the differences and similarities between watercolor, acrylic and oil.  Most of the students picked their favorite by the end of the weekend.  We will have pictures up on the class page soon.

The Mixed Media workshop is coming up on March 2 and 3.  There are a few spots left for the class.  The workshop is led by Taygan Crapo (employee of CAC and student of ACAD).  She is well educated in mixed media and has a firm knowledge of composition and design.  This will be a fun and energetic workshop.  Give us a call or email if you have questions or would like to register. Remember, we have all the other regular classes going too.  Take a look at the Classes page and read about them on the winter schedule.

We have some exciting news here at Cochrane Arts Central.  Three instructors at CAC -  Scot Paisley, Hermann Brandt and Marla Blackwell have all been juried in to the Western Art Gallery at the Stampede this year!  Scot is in the Auction and Hermann and Marla are in the Gallery.  We are all very pleased and looking forward to it.

New products are coming in regularly.  We are pursuing adding a new line of oil paints.  It is  made by Gamblin and it is a fast drying paint.  We will offer a workshop introducing this paint so stay tuned for that. I am always checking out brushes as well. I will be trying out  a new line myself in the next few days.  They have an excellent price point - which we all appreciate! Stay posted for more information soon!

Don't forget Free Fridays -  come in on fridays and use the studio at no charge. Friday is a great day to come and be creative with your peers.  We have lots of fun. See you soon at Cochrane Arts Central.

Marla and The Team

WINTER ART CLASSES START RIGHT AWAY!

Hi Everyone -  Happy New Year to you all!  Now that the holiday is over, we are focusing here at Cochrane Arts Central, on our busy class season. We have something for everyone.  Our classes are designed to run monthly so you can take a class whenever it is convenient for you.  January classes are up and running with room in a few of them still. When the classes are not full (maximum 8) you can join in any time!

We have added a new, fun class in OILS led by Taygan Crapo.  She works in the retail end of CAC and is a student at ACAD as well.  She also has a wonderful technique and approach to teaching. Check out the class page (which will be updated later  today) for  info.  There is a drawing class for teens on wednesday afternoons -  will hopefully start up first week of February. Great opportunity for teens to learn to draw and is instructed by Hermann Brandt.  Please call or email if you see something that you are interested in, We are happy to answer your questions. Don't forget 'FREE FRIDAYS' Come and paint all day (no instruction) for free.  What a great way to end the week.

New supplies are coming in a week or so. Watch for new lines of paints etc.  I will let you know when they arrive and will describe them then.  Till next time -  happy painting and be inspired -  take a class!

Marla and The Team

CHRISTMAS SALE AND WINTER CLASSES!

Hello Everyone -  Christmas is just around the corner -- although it is a very busy time, many of you are finding time to paint and enjoy this special time here at Cochrane Arts Central. Wednesday and thursday day classes are full which is fantastic for this hectic season. The winter class schedule is out and posted on the "Classes" page. Check it out.  I have organized the classes so they all follow the same format (except for the weekend workshops).  I think this schedule will offer a regular routine that all students will become familiar with -  basically all classes run on a 4 week time frame and continue each month.  Take a look at the schedule and it will describe these classes in detail.  We will add more classes as they get organized.  If you have never painted before but have always wanted to try it, the Sampler Class may appeal to you. Even if you are not into the arts, you may know someone who is.  Classes are a wonderful Christmas gift and we would love to organize the class and supplies to go with it to make the gift complete.  If you can't think about what to get the artist in your life, a Gift Certificate may be the answer.  Available in all denominations with no expiry date and they may be used for classes.

We are having a Christmas Sale starting on December 15 - December 24.  All products (excluding art pieces) will be 15% off! So stock up -  art supplies make great Christmas gifts!

We have wonderful art works in the Gallery area painted by local artists.  Paintings also are great Christmas presents.  We have all price ranges to suit everyone's budget and lay-a-way plans are available.

I would like to thank all my customers for supporting Cochrane Arts Central in 2012.  I look forward to seeing you and many new faces  in 2013.  Coffee is always on -  drop by even just for inspiration.  My friendly staff are very supportive and welcoming!  So on behalf of the staff and teachers, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Marla Blackwell

FALL SALE NOVEMBER 9 AND 10, 2012

Hello Everyone -  Our annual Fall Sale is coming up November 9 and 10th.  You don't want to miss it because all stock will be 20% off!  As well, there will be demos in the Studio showing new techniques, products, textures, etc.  These will be done by our teachers and students.  You can try out as well.  Refreshments and door prizes will be part of the two days.  Please come and join in -  this storewide sale is only once a year!  Paulette Fleming of Mary Kay Cosmetics will have a hand wash product that takes paint off your hands easily and makes your hands feel so soft.  I love it! Also, the winter class outline will be available and we will be taking registrations.

Speaking of classes -  the ongoing classes taught by Hermann Brandt (tuesday mornings 10 - 1) still have room for November and December.  These are fun, casual lessons and you learn lots about drawing and also oil painting.  Give us a call for  more details.

Don't forget  Free Fridays!  Every friday you can come and paint with others in the studio for free. No charge -  come and get inspired and paint with other students/clients of Cochrane Arts Central. 

See you soon -  Marla

ACFC 2012 AGM

COCHRANE ARTS FESTIVAL

Hello Everyone -  The Colour Theory Class on September 22 was awesome.  Everyone learned a lot and took home a workbook to complete and once completed will receive a certificate. There was a waiting list on this class so we will probably offer again in the winter or spring session in 2013.

This weekend is the Cochrane Arts Festival.  It will be held on saturday and sunday on 2nd Avenue West downtown.  Cochrane Arts Central will have a tent on the street.  There will be specials and paintings at our spot.  Come check it out.  The weather forecast is good so far!

Fall classes are going well.  Open Studio Fridays are going strong -  This is a free painting time.  Come and paint  with other aspiring painters!

Marla

NEW STUFF AT COCHRANE ARTS CENTRAL!

Hello Everyone -  Fall is just about here - hard to believe. But with it comes great new product and classes at Cochrane Arts Central.  You will find the Fall Class Schedule on the Classes page -- check it out.  Some classes are filling quickly - please call soon if you have questions or would like to register.  There are the familiar regular classes which continue to be very popular as well as new additions.  For example, Scot Paisley is teaching a drawing class for the teenage group as well as the beginner and intermediate adult classes.  Nancy-lynne Hughes is teaching a color theory workshop.  We have been wanting to include this for awhile now - so we very excited to have her here. We have more info in the class description as well as here at the shop.

Our fall shipment has arrived with most of the new products.  Tombow pens are here with the complete range of colors. They are dual ended with a thicker point and a fine one.  People are really liking these with drawing and mixed media.  We have a wider range of brushes to choose from - something for everyone.  You can never have too many brushes.  We are absolutely loaded up on canvas -  not enough room for all of them!!

Don't forget Open Studio Free  Friday! There is no charge for this very fun time in the studio with other painters. Very popular over the summer - it's great to have like minded people around and friday is the perfect day of the week to let loose and get creative! JOIN US IN THE FUN!

That's it for now -  stay tuned - I will update more often now that Fall is here and lots going on. 
Don't miss out!

Marla and The Team

PLEIN AIRE WORKSHOP WAS FANTASTIC!

On July 7th, we had the plein aire workshop at Marla and Rob Blackwell's. It was the most perfect day - Didn't rain and was hot! Nancy-Lynn Hughes instructed the class of 16 students. She taught the class how to focus in on the landscape and break it down so it could be transformed on to the canvas. Students learned a lot about changing light and the challenges and rewards of painting outside. Lots of enthusiasm and focused work created terrific paintings by all. After a morning and afternoon of painting, students relaxed and then we had a barbecue dinner. In the evening, Nancy gave a critique on everyone's work. We all learned from that and it was all very positive with helpful suggestions. We will definitely want to have this event again and those of you on the waiting list will have your chance too! I will keep you posted as to when we can arrange another one. Meanwhile, have a look at the pictures with this blog and see how much fun it was. I will have the Fall Class Schedule in a few weeks. Please call if you have questions. I have classes in place -- just need to firm up dates and post on the website.  Until then, happy painting! Marla

PLEIN AIRE PAINTING - NANCY-LYNN HUGHES

Hello Everyone -  I am excited to tell you about a fun painting event Cochrane Arts Central is hosting on July 7, 2012. We are having a full, fun day of outside painting at the Blackwell's on the Horse Creek (northwest of Cochrane)!  This will be instructed by well known plein aire instructor, Nancy-Lynn Hughes.  Please check out the "Classes Page" of this website for details.  Call or email for further details.  We will be happy to fill you in!

Also, there is still room for the Beginner Watercolor Workshop on Saturday, May 26.  Now is the chance  to try watercolor.  This is instructed by Marla Blackwell.  The Ongoing monthly classes continue to be popular as well.  See the details for all of these classes on the "Classes" page.

See you soon.

Marla